The One Color That Looks Good on Every Skin Tone

Lucky for you, it’s trending right now.

By
Julia Malacoff

It'd be magical if there was one color that truly suited everyone. It would make online shopping infinitely easier, plus you’d never have to wonder which hue to pick when buying someone a gift. Good news: A universally-flattering color actually does exist, and clothes in the shade are incredibly easy to come by.

“Classic red looks amazing on every skin tone,” says Tiffany Gifford, a wardrobe stylist who works with celebrities like Miranda Lambert. Why exactly does it work on everyone? Well, there are two main reasons, according to Gifford. “It not only shows confidence, which makes anyone look great, but red is also not too warm or too cool of a color, so it looks fantastic with any skin tone on the spectrum.” While you might think of red as a “warm” color, stylists consider it to be a bit of a grey area, meaning it has both warm and cool tones. That’s likely why it works whether you have yellow, olive, pink, or blue undertones in your skin, she says.

As for how to wear it, you’ve got options. “From a bright shade of red to a rich and regal hue, red can be worn in monochromatic head-to-toe looks or as pops of red with shoes or a coat,” says Sarah Tam, head of fashion at Rent the Runway. And if super brights aren’t your thing, you can experiment with less vibrant versions of the hue. “There is a shade to go with every skin tone, and this color will ensure you stand out, as well,” Tam adds.

Not sure where to start? Here are five foolproof picks that will carry you from fall’s crisp days through the holiday party season.

1

H&M Top With Draped Sleeves

hm.com

A statement piece in the truest sense, pair this voluminous top with trousers for a big meeting or your favorite denim for an evening out.